Dictionary of Bible Themes: 3130 Holy Spirit, as Counsellor

3130 Holy Spirit, as Counsellor

Dictionary of Bible Themes

The Holy Spirit is the one who comforts, advises and strengthens Christians, drawing them closer to Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit is Counsellor in addition to Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is a Counsellor

1 John 2:1 One Greek word “Parakletos” underlies this phrase which is primarily a legal term. It can also bear the meaning “comforter”.

The Spirit is another Counsellor

John 14:16-17 The word “another” means “another of the same kind”. After the ascension, the Spirit is to assume the ministry of Jesus Christ.

The Counsellor is the gift of the exalted Christ

The Counsellor comforts and reassures believers

John 14:16-18; Acts 11:12 Peter is reassured about going to the house of Cornelius; Romans 8:16 Believers are reassured that they are God's children.

The Counsellor strengthens and equips the church

Ephesians 3:16 See also Acts 4:31 The Jerusalem church is strengthened in the face of opposition; Acts 9:31 the church in Judea, Galilee and Samaria; Romans 8:26

The Counsellor teaches and instructs believers

The Spirit reminds the disciples of Jesus Christ's teaching

The Spirit teaches the church further truth

The Counsellor helps the church in its mission

The Spirit testifies to Jesus Christ and helps the church to do likewise

The Spirit convicts the unbelieving world

Examples of the Spirit's help in witness and mission

Acts 4:8 Peter before the Sanhedrin; 1 Corinthians 2:3-4 Paul in Corinth; 1 Thessalonians 1:5 Paul and Silas in Thessalonica

The Counsellor draws believers closer to Jesus Christ